Do you ever wonder why some people in your life try to talk you out of exciting opportunities? Especially when those opportunities could lead to your financial independence? The truth is shocking — people who are dependent on other people for financial stability, like close family, a partner, or even siblings, might be the first to block your path. Why? Because if you become independent, they lose control. This isn’t just annoying — it’s called gaslighting.
Let’s dive into this eye-opening topic and uncover why some of the people closest to us might secretly want us to stay stuck. And more importantly — how you can break free.
Why Financial Independence Scares Some People
Financial independence is like owning the keys to your own life. You get to decide where you go, what you do, and who you become. Sounds amazing, right? But here’s the twist — not everyone wants that for you.
Some people feel powerful when you depend on them. It gives them control over your choices. They might cover your bills or help out with money, but deep down, they like having the upper hand. So when you talk about a new job, a side hustle, or even starting an online business, they panic.
“What if they succeed and don’t need me anymore?”
“What if they outgrow me?”
That fear makes them say things like:
- “That sounds risky.”
- “You’re not the business type.”
- “It’s too late to start something new.”
But is it really about you? Or is it about them not wanting to lose control?
Gaslighting: The Sneaky Way They Keep You Down
Gaslighting is when someone makes you doubt your own feelings or decisions. It’s emotional manipulation, plain and simple. In the case of financial control, it sounds like:
- “You wouldn’t last a day on your own.”
- “You’re being silly — I’m only trying to help you.”
- “You owe me. I’ve supported you all this time.”
These words might seem harmless at first. But over time, they chip away at your confidence. You start to believe that maybe you can’t do things alone. That maybe you shouldn’t even try.
That’s how gaslighting works — by making you feel small so someone else can feel big.
But guess what? You can learn. You can grow. And you can earn your own money — even if you’ve never done it before.
Why Close Family or Partners May Talk You Out of Opportunities
Let’s be honest: not all family members or partners are toxic. But even loving people can act out of fear. If you suddenly start making your own money, it could mean big changes — and not everyone handles change well.
Here’s why they might discourage you:
- They’re afraid you’ll leave. If they think money will give you the freedom to walk away, they’ll try to stop it.
- They don’t understand your dream. They might have grown up thinking the only way to survive is through a 9-to-5 job.
- They feel insecure. Your growth can make them feel stuck, and instead of cheering you on, they try to pull you back.
And here’s the wild part: They might not even know they’re doing it.
So what can you do? Start taking small steps toward your independence, even if no one claps for you yet.
How to Break Free and Start Your Own Online Venture
The internet has changed everything. You no longer need a fancy degree, piles of money, or even a product to sell to start earning online. Sounds too good to be true? It’s not.
Here are just a few benefits of starting an online venture:
- 🏠 Work from anywhere — your home, a coffee shop, or even while traveling.
- 💸 Low start-up cost — some options cost almost nothing to get started.
- 🧠 Learn as you go — plenty of free tools and tutorials online.
- ⏰ Flexible hours — work around your schedule, not someone else’s.
- 💼 No boss needed — you run the show.
Even if you’re not tech-savvy, you can start with something simple:
- Affiliate marketing (sharing products and earning commissions)
- Freelancing your current skills
- Selling digital products or offering services
- Starting a blog or YouTube channel
- Joining online platforms like LiveGood or Khaya CONNECT (yes, you can make money even without your own product!)
You don’t need a million followers or a tech background. You just need the courage to start.
Steps to Build Financial Freedom Without Experience or a Product
Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t worry. Here’s a simple roadmap for getting started:
- Find Your Why – Why do you want financial independence? Is it freedom? Peace of mind? Helping your kids? Write it down. You’ll need this when things get tough.
- Pick a Platform – Choose something easy to start. For example, subscription based income like Khaya Connect or affiliate programs like LiveGood or freelance platforms like Fiverr or Upwork.
- Learn One Thing at a Time – You don’t need to master everything at once. Watch a webinar or zoom call. Watch a video. Read a blog. Try one new skill a week.
- Take Small Steps Daily – Even 20 minutes a day can build your dream over time. Consistency beats perfection.
- Join a Community – Find people on the same journey. Online forums, Facebook groups, or even YouTube communities can keep you inspired.
Remember: The people who try to stop you now might be the ones who ask for help later.
Conclusion: You Deserve Control Over Your Life
Here’s the truth — no one should hold your future hostage. Not your partner. Not your sibling. Not even your parents.
If someone feels threatened by your growth, that says more about them than you. It’s your right to chase dreams, build income, and stand on your own two feet.
Don’t let fear, guilt, or gaslighting hold you back. The road to financial independence may be scary, but it’s also full of freedom, confidence, and joy.
So what will you choose — comfort or courage?
FAQs
- Why would a loved one stop me from becoming financially independent?
Because they may fear losing control or feel insecure about your growth. It’s not always done with bad intentions, but it can still hold you back. - How do I tell if I’m being gaslit about money?
If someone constantly makes you doubt your abilities, your dreams, or your decisions about earning money, that’s gaslighting. - Can I really make money online without any skills?
Yes! Start with simple things like affiliate marketing or selling services you already know. You can learn as you go. - What if I fail?
Failure is part of the journey. The only true failure is never trying. Take small steps, and learn from each experience. - How do I start without money or a product?
Use free tools and platforms. Share other people’s products (affiliate marketing), offer services, or learn free skills online. You don’t need a lot to begin — just believe
